El Kaabi's Stunning Goal Wraps Up Morocco's Victory Over Comoros in Afcon Opener.
The Morocco shook off a nervy start to defeat Comoros in the tournament's first match on Sunday, with goals from Brahim Díaz and super-sub Ayoub El Kaabi in the latter period.
It was a hardly emphatic performance, though, from the highly fancied Moroccans, who are ranked 97 places above the small Indian Ocean nation in the FIFA rankings and had to work tirelessly for the points in wet conditions at the national stadium.
Tense Start and Missed Chances
The hosts missed an early spot-kick and were locked at 0-0 at the interval even with controlling possession, finally breaking the deadlock in the 11th minute of the second half.
The goal arrived after full-back Mazraoui did well to keep the ball in play before laying it across for Díaz to calmly pass into the net.
Every opening game is never easy but we came good in the second half,” commented Morocco coach Regragui.
The Substitute's Moment of Magic
The tension was then calmed by a piece of pure genius from substitute El Kaabi. Just ten minutes after coming on, the striker met a cross with a acrobatic bicycle kick in the 74th minute, making it two and sealing the win.
Earlier in the match, the hosts might have taken the lead in the 11th minute after a spot-kick was awarded for a foul on Brahim Díaz. However, Rahimi's effort was saved by keeper Pandor.
Comoros Resistance and Late Chance
The underdogs stoutly defended against Morocco for long periods until the Moroccans' individual talent eventually told.
Shot-stopper Pandor pulled off a number of further fine saves to limit the score as the match progressed, although his team created a chance for an equaliser shortly following Díaz's goal, with Saïd shooting straight at keeper Yassine Bounou.
Fitness Worry for Hosts
The victory was somewhat marred by an injury to Morocco's skipper, Romain Saïss, who was forced off in the 18th minute in tears.
This defender had only returned to the international setup last month following a lengthy absence caused by a serious ankle operation.
The win extends Morocco's record-breaking run of successive wins to 19, surpassing the old record of 15 set by Spain from 2008 and 2009.
